Harmony Without Uniformity: A Way of Reconstructing the Shared Values of Humanity

YAO Xinzhong

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PDF(408 KB)
Front. Philos. China ›› 2023, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (2) : 135-147. DOI: 10.3868/s030-012-023-0008-5
Research Article

Harmony Without Uniformity: A Way of Reconstructing the Shared Values of Humanity

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Abstract

Harmony without uniformity is the wisdom of Chinese civilization. Its connotation remains not only an ethical virtue, a state of being, or a capacity for inclusiveness, but also a methodology of profound philosophical significance. Harmony without uniformity provides us with a Confucian perspective to observe everything, the necessary tools to deal with various complex situations, and a practical path to making moral choices in various situations. Harmony without uniformity contains the cultural genetic code concerning why and how the shared values of humanity are possible, which is one of the significant reasons for the shared values to be actually realized. Harmony without uniformity recognizes inherent differences in the world, diverse demands of cultural forms, and different styles of individuals and communities in beliefs and practices. However, the recognition of differences serves only as one part of the process. Under no circumstances is harmony without uniformity limited to the recognition of “differences” or “diversity.” It also seeks common ground while reserving differences, pursues coexistence and common growth, and contributes to the flourishing of all cultures through coordination, negotiation, and cooperation, thus providing a practical and feasible path for the reconstruction of the shared values of humanity in the new era.

Keywords

Harmony without uniformity / shared values / particularity and universality / human community with a shared future

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YAO Xinzhong. Harmony Without Uniformity: A Way of Reconstructing the Shared Values of Humanity. Front. Philos. China, 2023, 18(2): 135‒147 https://doi.org/10.3868/s030-012-023-0008-5

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